Running back to basics

Time to get back to running! After spending hours searching for the best running watch as an excuse to resume my summer running, I ended up purchasing a Coros Pace 3. It is an entry-level watch in terms of price, but the quality of its software and data is worth every penny.

While browsing for watches, I reflected on how I use products daily. More importantly, I considered the price-to-usage-to-usefulness-practicality-enjoyment ratio.

I personally own an iPhone 16, a MacBook Air, a classic desktop computer, a Steam Deck, and a Nintendo Switch.

My first instinct when looking for a watch was to choose an Apple Watch. However, around the same time, they held their annual developer conference to present updates on their various device operating systems. For some reason, they decided to redesign their user interface, among other things. Watching the presentation, I realized that I didn’t care about the user interface revamp or any of the new features. While it looks nice, I questioned whether my daily usage justified spending so much money on an object, even if I could afford it.

For instance, let’s consider the iPhone 16; it costs around 1,000€ as I write this article. One of my goals was to reduce my screen time, which helped me realize that I was using my phone for 1 to 3 hours per day. You might wonder what I was doing during that time. I was scrolling through social networks, mainly Twitter and YouTube. Let’s not judge; after getting my act together, I’ve reduced my phone usage to around 10 to 15 minutes per day.

Is my usage worth 1,000€? No. I am selling that iPhone 16.

I will look for a much cheaper alternative that fits my needs. Will I miss some aspects of the iPhone experience? Certainly. But my goal is to minimize phone usage and focus on what I truly care about. I initially viewed a phone as a way to stay connected with family and friends; nowadays, it has become an excuse to waste time.

So what’s left? A MacBook Air, a desktop PC, a Steam Deck, and a Nintendo Switch.

The MacBook Air will likely go as well. I don’t move around much anymore, and it’s gathering dust. I enjoy gaming, so spending money there doesn’t raise any alarms for me. However, I still have some overlap between the desktop PC and the Steam Deck. They perform many of the same functions, especially since my PC runs SteamOS (the same OS that powers the Steam Deck). It’s not entirely rational, but I like the Steam Deck; it’s both a portable console and a computer. I appreciate having a backup just in case, while being able to use it wherever I want.

It seems I’m trying to justify keeping it. It may be sold later this year.

The Nintendo Switch is fantastic for playing family games unique to this system.

Now, back to running.

I have been using the Coros Pace 3 for two weeks, and it is great! The value of this watch is impressive. I aim to run 5 km in under 20 minutes. With their app, I can create a complete training plan and upload it to my watch. This way, I can run with just the watch and listen to music stored on it. The connection to my earbuds is instant, and the GPS and heart rate tracking are very accurate. I also mix strength training and yoga with my running, and I can track these activities with the watch. It monitors my sleep and provides data on my recovery and overall running progress, helping me train more effectively. Honestly, without this data, I would have run much faster on average and likely burned myself out. Watching my times for 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km improve as I train is incredibly motivating.

In summary, pay attention to the objects you use. Do they meet your life expectations, or are they just there due to clever marketing or habit? You could potentially save money, time, and, more importantly, focus on what you truly care about!